Midland High's top grads headed to A&M

Meredith Moriak

Published 2:04 pm, Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Midland High School valedictorian Matthew Fitzgerald and salutatorian Morgan Kratzer share more than just a high grade point average.

They share a love for tennis, both earning multiple honors in the sport, and this fall they'll continue to share a city of residence as they both begin their undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University.

"My dad went to A&M and I've loved it since I was little. It was not only the right choice, but the only choice," said Kratzer, who dubs herself as an Aggie since birth.

Fitzgerald's decision to attend A&M wasn't motivated by family tradition -- both parents attended Texas Tech University -- but instead by the school's reputable petroleum engineering program, he said.

His father's work in the petroleum industry influenced him to take the same path, Fitzgerald said.

"I really like math and science and think it will be a good fit," Fitzgerald said.

Interested in learning about how people think, Kratzer has decided to study psychology and minor in business. Eventually, she would like to attend graduate school and become a licensed psychologist.

Though both students love their hometown of Midland, they're both excited to meet new people who share common interests while at A&M.

Kratzer and Fitzgerald didn't set out to become top-ranked students during elementary school and junior high, but after receiving class ranks for the first time in ninth grade, both said they focused efforts on academics.

"You don't realize how smart you are until you get rankings," said Kratzer, who was ranked ninth out of 709 students as a freshman. She gradually worked up to No. 6, then No. 3 and ultimately to the No. 2 spot this year.

Though the workload in advanced placement classes seemed unmanageable at times, Fitzgerald said he always powered through and ultimately got the work done on time.

The most important thing about high school is not the score you receive but actually learning the material and committing it to memory, Fitzgerald said.

Kratzer credits her academic success to trying her hardest and always completing each assignment to her best ability.

"It bothers me to turn things in late. It's a pride thing, not about the 10 points I'll lose, but I've just never waited until the last minute to do things," Kratzer said.

Kratzer's advice for younger students seeking to succeed academically is to always complete assignments on time and to the best of one's ability.

"Every point counts. If you get a 90 on the test and a teacher offers test corrections, correct it. All of us in the top 10 are tenths of a point apart," Kratzer said. "Always do everything to the best of your ability."

Fitzgerald, the son of Theresa and Greg Fitzgerald, is a National Merit Commended Scholar, member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and the tennis and debate teams. He is a recipient of the Colorado School of the Mines Medal of Achievement in Math and Science and a MHS Academic Merit Award. A member of First Baptist Church of Midland, Fitzgerald has participated in numerous mission trips.

Kratzer, the daughter of Brenna and Mark Kratzer, is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, tennis team and Angler Club. She is a recipient of the 2011 English Student of the Year award and the National Chemistry Award. In addition to serving as a student leader at YoungLife, Kratzer is a member of Christ Church Midland.